Push Begins For Everett School Levy

A group calling itself Citizens for Everett Public Schools has launched a bond and levy campaign saying student safety, overcrowding and maintaining older schools are among reasons their group supports both measures. Here’s more information…

Guided by a mission to support students with excellent schools and classroom instruction, the Citizens for Everett Public Schools committee today launched its campaign for both a capital levy and bond. These two measures will appear on the April 26, 2016 special election ballot.

“Everett Public Schools is the fastest growing district in Snohomish County,” explained Terry Ryan, citizens committee member and Chair of the Snohomish County Council. “Too many of our schools are overcrowded and we need to update some existing schools. The bond measure will make it possible to build a new elementary school, and modernize Woodside Elementary and North Middle schools to address these needs.”

The $89 million capital levy, which replaces a capital levy expiring at the end of 2016, and the $149 million bond are aimed at improving school safety throughout the district, providing more classroom space to relieve overcrowding, and addressing critical maintenance needs. They prioritize the most important projects to ensure the greatest impact district-wide.

“We need to do everything we can to keep our students safe,” said Kathy Atwood, former Everett Police Chief. “Some of the district’s older schools have entry ways that were designed and built before today’s school security needs. The bond and levy will pay for safety upgrades at those schools, and provide better security monitoring throughout the district.”
“The timing of these two measures is important in maintaining some of our older schools,” said Andrea Wells-Edwards, a district parent and member of the district’s Capital Facilities Advisory Council. “The school district has a strong history of financial stewardship, and taking care of these projects now means they will cost less than waiting until later.”

Educational technology and the infrastructure to support it are also part of the bond and levy measures. The interwoven technology projects in the two measures will give students equitable access to the tools and learning experiences they need to succeed in a world economy. Teachers will also receive training, support and software necessary to prepare students for their future beyond high school.

The list of honorary co-chairs for the citizens committee spans a cross section of well known public names, business owners, parents, and even students.

For more information, visit the Citizens for Everett Public School’s website at ImVotingYes.com.